What the Armed Forces Retirement Home is and who runs it

The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) is a residential community for retired military members, run directly by the Department of Defense. It is not a nursing home or assisted living facility — it is independent senior housing on two campuses, one in Washington, D.C. and one in Gulfport, Mississippi. Residents live in their own apartments or rooms, manage their own daily lives, and pay a monthly fee to cover housing, meals, utilities, and basic services.

The home is funded by federal appropriations and resident fees, not by Medicare or Medicaid. It exists specifically for military retirees who meet strict service requirements and whose income and assets fall within set limits. The organization has operated since 1834 and currently houses around 600 residents across both locations.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have served on active duty for at least 20 years or be medically retired to be considered for residency.
  • Your monthly income cannot exceed roughly $3,500 and your liquid assets cannot exceed roughly $10,000, though these limits change yearly and vary slightly by location.
  • Monthly fees range from about $1,200 to $1,800 depending on room type and location, and cover housing, meals, utilities, and basic services.
  • The process process takes several months and requires military discharge papers, financial documents, and a medical evaluation.
  • Both campuses have long waiting lists, so you should contact them directly to understand current wait times before starting the process.

Service requirements and who is may be able to access

To be considered for the Armed Forces Retirement Home, you must have served on active duty in the U.S. military for at least 20 years, or you must be a veteran medically retired due to a service-connected disability. Reserve and National Guard service counts only if you were called to active duty. The home does not accept spouses or dependents as primary residents, though some limited spousal housing may be available in certain circumstances.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. If you were dishonorably discharged or received a dishonorable discharge, you are not may be able to access. A bad conduct discharge or other-than-honorable discharge may disqualify you as well, depending on the circumstances — contact the home directly to ask about your specific discharge status.

Income and asset limits that determine financial may be able to access

The Armed Forces Retirement Home sets income and asset ceilings that change each year. As of the most recent published figures, your monthly income cannot exceed approximately $3,500 and your liquid assets (savings, investments, cash) cannot exceed approximately $10,000. These limits are adjusted annually, so you should contact the home directly to confirm the current year's thresholds before you begin the process.

Income includes your military retirement pay, Social Security, pensions, and any other regular monthly payments. Assets do not include your home, your car, or personal belongings. If you are married, the home counts both spouses' income and assets together. If your income or assets are slightly above the limit, you may still be considered — contact the admissions office to discuss your situation.

Monthly costs and what is included in your fee

Monthly fees at the Armed Forces Retirement Home range from approximately $1,200 to $1,800, depending on whether you choose a single room or a shared room and which campus you live on. The Washington, D.C. location is typically more expensive than the Gulfport, Mississippi location. Your monthly fee covers your room or apartment, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), utilities, housekeeping, laundry service, and access to common areas and recreational programs.

The fee does not cover medical care beyond basic health monitoring, prescription medications, or transportation outside the campus. If you need skilled nursing care or assisted living services, the home can refer you to outside providers, but those costs are separate. You should budget for personal expenses, medications, and any additional services you may need.

How to start the process process

Contact the Armed Forces Retirement Home directly at the location where you wish to live. The Washington, D.C. campus phone number is (202) 730-3000 and the Gulfport, Mississippi campus phone number is (228) 897-4400. You can also visit the official AFRH website to request an process packet by mail or read forms online. Ask about current wait times — both locations maintain waiting lists, and the time from process to move-in can be 6 to 18 months or longer.

The admissions office will send you an process form, a financial worksheet, and a list of required documents. You do not need to complete everything at once, but you should understand what you will need to gather before you start. Many applicants find it helpful to call and ask questions about their specific situation before submitting anything.

Documents and information you will need to provide

You will need to submit your military discharge papers (DD Form 214 or equivalent), proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and recent financial documents. Financial documents include the last two months of bank statements, recent tax returns, and documentation of any pensions or regular income. If you receive Social Security, bring a recent statement showing your monthly benefit amount.

You will also need to provide a medical history and consent to a physical examination. The home requires a current medical evaluation to assess your ability to live independently. Bring a list of current medications and any medical conditions. If you have been hospitalized or treated for a serious illness in the past five years, bring those records as well. Finally, you will need to provide personal references — typically two people who know you well and can speak to your character and ability to live in a community setting.

What happens after you submit your process

The admissions office will review your process to confirm you meet the service, income, and asset requirements. This initial review typically takes two to four weeks. If you pass the initial review, you will be scheduled for a personal interview, either in person at the campus or by phone, depending on your location. During the interview, staff will ask about your military service, your reasons for wanting to live at the home, and your ability to manage daily living independently.

After the interview, you will be placed on the waiting list if you are approved. The length of the wait depends on room availability and the number of people ahead of you. You will be contacted when a room becomes available. At that point, you will complete a final medical evaluation and sign a residency agreement. Most residents move in within one to three months of being notified of availability, though this varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the campus before I explore?

Yes. Both locations offer tours for prospective residents and their families. Contact the admissions office to schedule a visit. Seeing the campus, meeting current residents, and touring the dining facilities and common areas can help you decide whether the home is right for you.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Contact the admissions office directly. The income limits are guidelines, and staff may have discretion in borderline cases. Explain your situation and ask whether you may still be considered. It is worth asking rather than assuming you are ineligible.

Do I have to move to one of the two campuses, or can I choose?

You can express a preference for either the Washington, D.C. or Gulfport, Mississippi location when you explore. However, availability and wait times differ between the two. Ask the admissions office about current wait times at each location so you can make an informed choice.

What happens if I need nursing care or assisted living after I move in?

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is designed for independent living. If you develop a need for skilled nursing or assisted living services, the home will work with you and your family to find appropriate outside care. You may be asked to transition to another facility if you can no longer live independently, though the home tries to help residents stay as long as possible.

Is there a waiting period before I can move in after I am approved?

Yes. Once you are approved, you go on a waiting list for an available room. Wait times range from a few months to over a year, depending on the campus and current occupancy. The admissions office will give you a realistic estimate when you are approved.